BSEreport delay

2 February 2001

BSEreport delay

MAFF has confirmed that the governments response to the Phillips report on BSE is likely to slip into February.

A spokeswoman said an exact date had yet to be set but it was more likely to be "early February". Farm minister, Nick Brown, originally indicated he would give his response by the end of January.

Members of Parliament have been promised a debate once the report has been issued. It is expected to build on the governments initial conclusions which were outlined by Mr Brown in his statement to the House of Commons in October.